<div class="ExternalClass1EC8DD3FF9E44F2181BE90DAB19C650F"><ul><li>Residential wood smoke is the leading source of fine particulate matter (PM<sub>2.5</sub>) emissions in Metro Vancouver, contributing approximately one-quarter of PM<sub>2.5</sub> emissions.</li><li>Wood smoke can be hazardous to human health, increasing the risk of heart and lung diseases such as asthma and emphysema, and susceptibility to illness.</li><li>Surveys suggest there are 25,000 uncertified wood burning appliances and 135,000 fireplaces in Metro Vancouver.</li><li>Consider replacing your old wood stove or fireplace with something cleaner, such as a certified model or natural gas insert. Rebates of $250 are available for eligible units through Metro Vancouver’s <a href="/services/air-quality/projects-initiatives/Pages/wood-stove-exchange.aspx" target="_blank">Wood Stove Exchange Program</a>.</li><li>Since the Wood Stove Exchange Program began, Metro Vancouver has completed nearly 400 exchanges, resulting in cleaner air for residents in neighbourhoods where those exchanges occurred.</li><li>Metro Vancouver issues air quality bulletins when elevated levels of PM<sub>2.5</sub> occur in localized areas during the winter months, as a result of residential wood burning and other burning activities. The bulletins offer information to the public about how to reduce their emissions.</li><li>For more information, see our <a href="/services/Permits-regulations-enforcement/PermitRegulationEnforcementPublications/WoodSmokeAwarenessBrochure.pdf" target="_blank">Wood Smoke Awareness brochure</a> or this <a href="/services/Permits-regulations-enforcement/air-quality/factors/residential-wood-smoke/" target="_blank">video</a></li></ul></div>